WESSEX TATTOO - As it happened...
THE STORY OF OUR TATTOO - SALISBURY 7-8 FEBRUARY 1998
WESSEX TATTOO “Braveheart Special” SALISBURY CITY HALL
William Wallace again conquered England 700 years after his first success. Together with Robert the Bruce they twice took on and mastered Edward Longshanks in the City Hall Salisbury.
The packed audience on both nights relived Scottish history from 1289 through to the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. Why 1289? Well would you believe that my research revealed that
the Treaty of Salisbury was signed then between Scotland, England and Norway arranging the marriage of the Maid of Norway - Queen of Scotland, to Edward I’s son (later Edward II. This was Edwards peaceful method of controlling Scotland but this ended when the Maid supposedly was drowned (but that’s another story). The rest as they say is history!
So in the apt location of the City Hall Salisbury the 2nd Wessex Tattoo got underway. The first half told the story with actors narrating the history. The massed pipes and drums represented the Scottish army and were summoned during the evening by both William Wallace and Robert Bruce. The English army were represented by the Band of the Hampshire Constabulary led by Scot Len Lewry an ex Royal Marine musician. He, of course became the Earl of Surrey! I am not sure whether he will get over it.
To celebrate the success of Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn Highland and Country dancers performed admirably. The audience loving the fun shown by the country dancers, the skill and grace of the premier highland dancers and the tots dancing flings and the swords. As Bruce addressed his soldiers the choir sang Scots Wha Hae. Followed by the solo by P/M Roger Huth and then the massed pipes and drums.
Everyone entered into the spirit and as Wallace attacked the Police band with his sword held high they all waved their drum sticks at him and shouted! When Edward told how he was going to dispose of William Wallace the audience hissed and booed - and they were English!
The first half ended to loud cheers as first the Declaration of Arbroath was read aloud by Robert Bruce and then the ghost of William Wallace reminded everyone that the people of Scotland again voted for more control in the recent vote, 700 years later - but as part of Britain.
The second half was far more sedate. As each group of performers did their piece they remained on the floor or stage. By the end all 130 performers filled the stage and arena. The audience went through an array of emotions as all the musicians played first Highland Cathedral (soloist P/M Robert Pearson) and then Amazing Grace (soloist Piper Olivia McLennan). This was followed by Land of Hope and Glory. The Lone Piper Iain McNeill dedicated his tune to the Monktonhall Colliery as the tower had been pulled down on the Sunday. Iain had joined their pipe band at the age of 7. Every arm was linked for Auld Lang Syne across rows and rows of people. The combined music and singing was a joy to behold.
The evening ended with Heilan Laddie and a march off to The Black Bear. A standing ovation followed.
Ian McLennan
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